JOB SUMMARY:

The Forklift Lead is responsible for leading daily forklift and material-handling operations to ensure safe, efficient movement of product, equipment, and materials throughout the facility. This role supports warehouse execution by overseeing forklift operators, reinforcing safety and performance standards, and ensuring accurate material flow in alignment with production, inventory, and shipping needs. The Forklift Lead serves as a floor-level leader, acting as a key communication link between shifts and departments while maintaining compliance with OSHA, GMP, Food Safety, and company policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Forklift & Material Handling Operations

· Lead daily forklift operations to support production, warehousing, inventory movement, and shipping activities.

· Ensure safe, accurate, and timely transport of materials, finished goods, equipment, and supplies throughout the facility.

· Monitor forklift usage to prevent product damage, spoilage, or safety incidents.

· Verify materials are moved, staged, and stored according to FIFO, lot control, and food safety requirements.

· Support yard and dock coordination related to dry warehouse materials as needed.

· Maintain organization and cleanliness of dry warehouse locations to support efficient picking and staging.

Team Leadership & Training

· Provide day-to-day direction and support to forklift operators and material handlers.

· Assist with training, onboarding, and coaching of new and existing forklift operators.

· Observe forklift operations to ensure adherence to safety procedures, performance standards, and standard work.

· Reinforce accountability for safe operation, productivity, and quality expectations.

Safety, Compliance & Equipment Oversight

· Ensure forklifts are operated safely and inspected regularly in accordance with OSHA and company requirements.

· Lead or support safety huddles and reinforce safe work behaviors.

· Ensure all safety rules, GMPs, Food Safety, and plant safety policies are followed at all times.

· Report and escalate safety concerns, equipment issues, or incidents immediately.

Communication & Coordination

· Communicate critical information between departments and across shifts, including changes to production schedules, equipment status, or material priorities.

· Coordinate closely with Warehouse Management, Inventory, Production, and Shipping teams to support operational needs.

· Support smooth shift-to-shift transitions through clear handoff communication.

Documentation & System Support

· Complete and maintain required documentation including pallet tickets, scanning records, location sheets, and production or movement logs.

· Ensure all material movements are properly scanned and recorded in the ERP/WMS system.

· Support audits, traceability exercises, and inventory accuracy efforts as needed.

Continuous Improvement & Support

· Identify opportunities to improve forklift safety, efficiency, and material flow.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives related to warehouse operations and material handling.

· Perform other duties as assigned by Warehouse Management.

Qualification Requirements

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Minimum 2–3 years of forklift operation experience in a warehouse or manufacturing setting.

· Previous experience in a lead, trainer, or senior operator role preferred.

· Working knowledge of warehouse operations, material flow, and shipping/receiving processes.

· Familiarity with OSHA, GMP, and Food Safety standards.

· Proven ability to operate forklifts and material-handling equipment safely and in compliance with company policies.

· Strong communication skills with the ability to relay information clearly across shifts and departments.

· Ability to follow standard work, prioritize tasks, and support team productivity.

· High attention to detail with strong hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

· Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

· Regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.

· Frequently required to bend, stoop, kneel,

reach, push, and pull while performing inventory checks and material handling.

· Must be able to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

· May be required to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment as needed.

· Ability to climb ladders or stairs to access stored materials.

· Visual acuity required to read labels, lot codes, expiration dates, and system screens accurately.

· Manual dexterity required for scanning, labeling, and operating handheld devices and computer systems.

· Must be able to work in cold, hot, or variable temperature environments, including freezer and refrigerated storage areas.

· Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to safety shoes, gloves, hairnets, and hearing protection.

Work Environment

This position works in both office and manufacturing/warehouse environments with variable temperatures, loud noise from machinery, equipment alarms, and frequent interaction with carriers and drivers.